Japan is one of the most organised and visitor-friendly countries in the world, but daily life here runs on unspoken social rules that tourists are expected to follow. Clean streets, quiet public transport, and orderly public spaces are not accidental, they exist because people are careful about how their actions affect others. Visitors sometimes assume that common tourist habits, such as speaking loudly, eating while walking, or discarding garbage casually, are acceptable, but these behaviours can be seen as inconsiderate in Japan. With international tourism continuing to grow, local authorities and communities have repeatedly reminded travellers to be mindful of etiquette, especially in crowded cities and popular tourist areas.
Don’t litter or expect public dustbins everywhere
Japan is exceptionally clean, but public garbage bins are surprisingly rare. This does not mean littering is acceptable. Carry your trash with you until you find a designated disposal area, usually near convenience stores, vending machines, or inside stations. Japan also follows strict waste segregation rules, so throwing garbage randomly into the wrong bin is frowned upon. Tourists leaving food wrappers on streets, trains, or tourist spots is one of the fastest ways to attract negative attention.
Don’t talk loudly or take calls on public transport
Silence on trains and buses is a strong social expectation. Loud conversations, video calls, or phone calls on public transport are considered disruptive. Many trains display reminders asking passengers to keep phones on silent mode. If you need to speak, keep your voice low and brief. Tourists who treat trains like casual social spaces often stand out for the wrong reasons. And surely you wouldn’t want that kind of attention.
Don’t ignore queueing rules
Japan takes queues seriously. More often than not, you will encounter this while out and about. For instance, at a train station, people are often seen standing patiently in queue to board the train, queue before entering an elevator, or standing patiently for their turn while ordering food. The same behavior is expected of others as well. When out and about, don’t cut in line, stand in the wrong boarding area, or rush ahead; it is seen as disrespectful. Train platforms often have marked lines showing exactly where to stand, so when you see one, follow them.
Don’t eat while walking
While some of us would grab a snack and eat on the go, this is generally discouraged in Japan, especially in busy streets. It’s not illegal, but surely frowned-upon, and it’s considered messy and inconsiderate. Locals usually eat at designated spots, food stalls, or while standing near vending machines. If you buy street food, finish it where you purchased it instead of walking through public areas with it.
Don’t enter homes or certain spaces with shoes on
Shoes are removed not only in homes but also in traditional inns (ryokan), temples, some restaurants, and even certain fitting rooms. Slippers are often provided. Ignoring shoe-removal signs or stepping onto tatami mats with shoes is considered a serious breach of etiquette.
